Hepatitis A Virus (HAV)
The abstract information on this page taken directly from CDC data
Signs & Symptoms of Hepatitis A Disease
Adults infected with HAV will have signs and symptoms more often than children.
Symptoms of HAV infection include: jaundice, fatigue, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, nausea, diarrhea and fever.
Long-Term Effects of Hepatitis A Disease
There is no chronic (long-term) infection.
Once you have had HAV you cannot get it again.
About 15% of people infected with HAV will have prolonged or relapsing symptoms over a 6-9 month period.
Transmission of Hepatitis Disease
HAV is found in the stool (feces) of persona with Hepatitis A.
HAV is usually spread from person-to-person by putting something in the mouth (even though it may look clean) that has been contaminated with the stool of a person with hepatitis A.
Persons at Risk of Infection for Hepatitis A Disease
Household contacts of infected persons
Sex contacts of infected persons
Persons, especially children, living in areas with increasing rates of HAV during the baseline period from 1987-1997
Persons traveling to countries where HAV is common
Men who have sex with men
Injecting and non-injecting drug users
Prevention of Hepatitis A Disease
HAV vaccine is the best protection.
Short-term protection against HAV is available from immune globulin. It can be given before and within 2 weeks after coming in contact with HAV.
Always wash your hands with soap and water after using the bathroom, changing a diper, and before preparing and eating food.
Vaccine Recommendations for Hepatitis A Disease
Vaccine for HAV is recommended for the following persons 2 years of age and older:
Travelers to areas with increased rates of HAV
Men who have sex with men
Injecting and non-injecting drug users
Persons with clotting-factor disorders (e.g., hemophilia)
Persons with chronic liver disease
Children living in areas with increased rates of HAV during the baseline period of 1987-1997
For more information on the Hepatitis A Virus (HAV) Disease
go to
http://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/hav
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